New: Canon VIXIA consumer HD camcorders for 2009

Rob Kral · January 12th, 2009, 07:50 PM

What is the actual size of the lense? What i really mean is, it looks huge but then you factor in the pop up flash etc and it's not as big as it first appears. (The true and actual glass lense diameter is NOT the same as the THREAD diameter, do I have that correct?)

Dan Brockett · January 13th, 2009, 07:30 PM

I am pretty much set to purchase the HFS100. My only factor in the decision will be how the low light performance is. If it sucks, I may downgrade to the smaller chipped model. if it is decent (I am not expecting 5D MKII good obviously), I will order the HFS100.

These little cameras will be a good second angle or companion camera to my DVX100A and HPX170. Different tools for different jobs.

Dan

Dave Blackhurst · January 13th, 2009, 10:28 PM

The HF-S cameras definitely look impressive, and it will be interesting to see how well they do with low light - Sony has it's Bionz "R" sensors in their new cameras, and that technology was supposed to provide better low light performance...

Bottom line though, you can always add a small on camera light for those times when ambient just won't cut it - they work wonders. Sure, range is limited, but it doesn't take a lot of light augmentation to get a usable result.

Evan C. King · January 28th, 2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

No problem, just turn the LCD display into an EVF (see attached pics)... Hoodman USA

Has anyone tried the Hood Loupe on a camcorder? I'd love to get one for my XHA1.

David Sholle · February 2nd, 2009, 12:26 PM

I seem to remember that when the HF S10/S100 were originally announced, the time frame for release was stated as February 2009. Now Canon's website says Spring 2009, which even if accurate, could mean as late as mid-June.

Anybody know of the reason for the change? Technical issues or just adjusting to the current economy or something else?

Chris Hurd · February 2nd, 2009, 12:35 PM

Canon USA told me the HF-S models will be out in April, as far as I know that was their plan all along, so I don't think anything has changed.

Rikki Bruce · February 2nd, 2009, 01:19 PM

Read elsewhere the increase in filter/thread size wasnt due to a large lens but so that the I-AF sensor could be tucked inside and still used with a wide or tele convertor.

David Sholle · February 2nd, 2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

Canon USA told me the HF-S models will be out in April, as far as I know that was their plan all along, so I don't think anything has changed.

Thanks Chris. I must have been thinking about some other electronic toy that I was lusting over that was supposed to come out in February. At least April sounds better than spring, which could mean June.

David Sholle · February 5th, 2009, 03:21 PM

Price on HF S10 will be $1300 and HF S100 will be $1100. Perhaps these new lower prices reflect the economic reality these days. They will supposedly reach the market in early March. More details at:

Electronista | Canon prices, dates 2009 camcorders

That article claims that the early March release date was a "pushed back" date, implying that maybe I am not crazy and earlier I read somewhere (not at this site) that they were going to be released in February.

Michael Murie · February 5th, 2009, 03:32 PM

You're not alone David. I thought I read somewhere dates of February, though it's true there was nothing in the original press release.

It's also possible I got confused with the release dates for the new Sony's; though I'm not sure when they are due either!

Michael Galvan · February 5th, 2009, 05:28 PM

Interesting how the HV40 will be out in June. That's quite some time, considering its the same technology as in the HV30 and HV20 ... Makes me think they are delaying it on purpose to make people thinking between the two almost feel "forced" to go with the HF S10.

Chris Hurd · February 5th, 2009, 05:33 PM

Here's the pricing info (rec'd via email earlier today from Canon USA):

VIXIA HF S10 $1,299.99 Early-Mar
VIXIA HF S100 $1,099.99 Early-Mar
VIXIA HF20 $899.99 Early-Apr
VIXIA HF200 $749.99 Early-Apr
VIXIA HG21 $1,299.00 On-Going
VIXIA HG20 $899.00 On-Going
VIXIA HV40 $999.99 Early-June
FS22 $599.99 Mid-Apr
FS21 $499.99 Mid-Apr
FS200 $329.99 Early-Apr
DC420 $369.99 Early-Apr
DC410 $299.99 Early-Apr
ZR960 $249.99 Early-Apr

Bill Koehler · February 5th, 2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Galvan

Interesting how the HV40 will be out in June. That's quite some time, considering its the same technology as in the HV30 and HV20 ... Makes me think they are delaying it on purpose to make people thinking between the two almost feel "forced" to go with the HF S10.

A more benign explanation is that they are giving vendors plenty of time to clear out stock (HV30) in a slow retailing environment.

Lou Bruno · February 6th, 2009, 02:53 PM

Not true. The HV-30's are being bought up like crazy. The NEW HV-40 is about the same camera at a more expensive pricepoint.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Koehler

A more benign explanation is that they are giving vendors plenty of time to clear out stock (HV30) in a slow retailing environment.

Robert Rogoz · February 6th, 2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lou Bruno

Not true. The HV-30's are being bought up like crazy. The NEW HV-40 is about the same camera at a more expensive pricepoint.

looks to me all these new cameras are. It would have to be a earth shattering difference to justify doubling the cost of HF100 (now at B&H for $525 with free shipping).

February 2nd, 2009, 12:35 PM	#66
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Canon USA told me the HF-S models will be out in April, as far as I know that was their plan all along, so I don't think anything has changed. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 5th, 2009, 05:28 PM	#71
Michael Galvan Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 775	Interesting how the HV40 will be out in June. That's quite some time, considering its the same technology as in the HV30 and HV20 ... Makes me think they are delaying it on purpose to make people thinking between the two almost feel "forced" to go with the HF S10. __________________ www.michaelgalvan.com www.screenanthology.com

February 5th, 2009, 05:33 PM	#72
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Here's the pricing info (rec'd via email earlier today from Canon USA): VIXIA HF S10 $1,299.99 Early-Mar VIXIA HF S100 $1,099.99 Early-Mar VIXIA HF20 $899.99 Early-Apr VIXIA HF200 $749.99 Early-Apr VIXIA HG21 $1,299.00 On-Going VIXIA HG20 $899.00 On-Going VIXIA HV40 $999.99 Early-June FS22 $599.99 Mid-Apr FS21 $499.99 Mid-Apr FS200 $329.99 Early-Apr DC420 $369.99 Early-Apr DC410 $299.99 Early-Apr ZR960 $249.99 Early-Apr __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

January 12th, 2009, 07:50 PM	#61
Rob Kral New Boot Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Los Angeles, USA Posts: 18	What is the actual size of the lense? What i really mean is, it looks huge but then you factor in the pop up flash etc and it's not as big as it first appears. (The true and actual glass lense diameter is NOT the same as the THREAD diameter, do I have that correct?)

January 13th, 2009, 07:30 PM	#62
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	I am pretty much set to purchase the HFS100. My only factor in the decision will be how the low light performance is. If it sucks, I may downgrade to the smaller chipped model. if it is decent (I am not expecting 5D MKII good obviously), I will order the HFS100. These little cameras will be a good second angle or companion camera to my DVX100A and HPX170. Different tools for different jobs. Dan

January 13th, 2009, 10:28 PM	#63
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	The HF-S cameras definitely look impressive, and it will be interesting to see how well they do with low light - Sony has it's Bionz "R" sensors in their new cameras, and that technology was supposed to provide better low light performance... Bottom line though, you can always add a small on camera light for those times when ambient just won't cut it - they work wonders. Sure, range is limited, but it doesn't take a lot of light augmentation to get a usable result.

February 2nd, 2009, 12:26 PM	#65
David Sholle Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mammoth Lakes CA Posts: 125	I seem to remember that when the HF S10/S100 were originally announced, the time frame for release was stated as February 2009. Now Canon's website says Spring 2009, which even if accurate, could mean as late as mid-June. Anybody know of the reason for the change? Technical issues or just adjusting to the current economy or something else?

February 2nd, 2009, 01:19 PM	#67
Rikki Bruce Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow. Scotland Posts: 79	Read elsewhere the increase in filter/thread size wasnt due to a large lens but so that the I-AF sensor could be tucked inside and still used with a wide or tele convertor.

February 5th, 2009, 03:21 PM	#69
David Sholle Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mammoth Lakes CA Posts: 125	Price on HF S10 will be $1300 and HF S100 will be $1100. Perhaps these new lower prices reflect the economic reality these days. They will supposedly reach the market in early March. More details at: Electronista \| Canon prices, dates 2009 camcorders That article claims that the early March release date was a "pushed back" date, implying that maybe I am not crazy and earlier I read somewhere (not at this site) that they were going to be released in February.

February 5th, 2009, 03:32 PM	#70
Michael Murie Major Player Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 205	You're not alone David. I thought I read somewhere dates of February, though it's true there was nothing in the original press release. It's also possible I got confused with the release dates for the new Sony's; though I'm not sure when they are due either!